Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Donnie Stogner Obituary
Donnie "Gene" Stogner passed away on Monday, April 21, 2008 at the age of 77. Gene was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma in 1931. He moved to El Paso at the age of four, where he attended Crockett Elementary and then Austin High School. He attended Texas Western College, now UTEP, for one year, then left to fight in the Korean War as a United States Marine. Gene was a Tennis Director at Santa Teresa Country Club which he held that position for seventeen years. In 1972, Gene was inducted into the El Paso Softball Hall of Fame and later, in 1986, he was also inducted into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame. He was named runner up in the El Paso Sports Figure of the Year three times. Ray Sanchez, Sports Editor, featured Gene along with Lee Trevino, Willie Shoemaker, Margaret DuPont and Don Maynard in his book El Paso's Greatest Sports Heroes. The Stogner Family was named Family of the Year by Southwest in 1987. He was also inducted into the Southwest Tennis Hall of Fame in 1993. Gene has always been very community conscious where he promoted several professional exhibitions in El Paso and in 1974 he played a major role in bringing in Rod Laver and Fred Stolle, in conjunction with the Junior League in 1973, he brought in Pancho Gonzalez and Jimmy Connors, volunteering his time and organizational skills in serving as chairman of various fund-raising tournaments such as the UTEP Advantage Club, El Paso Center for the Deaf, and the American Heart Association. Gene is also the only coach in the Southwest who has coached a nationally ranked #1 player, Frank Salazar. According to Gene "without character there is no foundation for the discipline necessary to build strokes. All my previous coaches in other sports stressed the fact that discipline was the key to the development of fundamentals." Gene will be known most for his dramatic contribution to Southwest Tennis in his coaching skills and his distinguished tennis career covering forty-six years of his life as player, coach, promoter, administrator, servant, friend and inspiration and most of all being idolized by his children. He is preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Beatrice Stogner, brothers Hulen and Adrian Stogner. Gene is survived by his son Rod Stogner, daughters, Lynn Stogner Tucker and husband Chris Tucker and Debra Back and husband Dennis Back. He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren, and pride and joy Weston and Skyler Stogner and 3 great great grandchildren as well as a sister in law, Sara Stogner. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2008 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM at Martin Funeral Home West. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 12:00PM at Martin Funeral Home West, with Pastor Dwight Edwards officiating. Pallbearers will be Bill Rivera, Rene Rosas, Bob Lehman, Randall Clark, Ronnie Wheeler, Panky Salazar, Ronnie Rosas and John March. Interment will follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery with military honors. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr. El Paso, TX 79912
Memories and Condolences
for Donnie Stogner
21 Entries
Niki Forbis
May 15, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about you dad. I live in El Paso and I lived right next door to him in my first apartment. He was a very nice and loving man, and love to walk his dog rocket. I wish the Stogner family the best.
Tony Parton
April 26, 2008
Lynn and Rod,
I am very sorry to hear the news of your dad's passing. He was a great influence on my life. Best wishes to you and the rest of your family.
Christy Hays - Busuladzic
April 25, 2008
Rod,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Rosalinda Hernandez-Alvarado
April 25, 2008
Lynn, Rod, and Family
Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to you during this difficult time in your lives. We were saddened to hear of Gene's passing. His constant dedication to all of his students is what made us then and still the tennis players we are today. We have many great memories of Gene during our days spent at Santa Teresa. We will always be grateful to him for all the life lessons that came with the tennis lessons. He will be missed greatly, but will always be remembered.
The Hernandez Family
Joe and Rosa Hernandez, Rosalinda Hernandez-Alvarado, Yvonne Hernandez-Roberto, Patricia Hernandez-Abdallah, and the next generation of tennis players
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Beth Lozano
April 25, 2008
Rod,
My deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Beth Lozano
Julie Wishner Olesniewicz
April 24, 2008
Lynn and Rod,
Words cannot express how much your dad meant to me. I learned so many lessons in life from him, and we share so many memories. I'll never forget how he taught me to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I had to make two, and then he made me give away the very best one. I'll never forget how he would say, "It's not how you win or lose that's important, it's how good you look doing it!" My very best memories of my childhood were in El Paso playing tennis at Santa Teresa with all of you! And your dad was at the very center of that experience. I wish I could be there with everyone to celebrate your dad's life. I will miss him, and I miss all of you. Please give a hug and a kiss to all! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Janet MacDonald(Ruebusch)
April 24, 2008
Dear Rod and Lennie,
So sorry to hear about your dad. I know that this is a very hard time for you. Just want you to know that you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. I have been remembering all the good times we all had together. Hope you are doing well. Love, Janet MacDonald (Ruebusch)
blanca barriga
April 24, 2008
gene was one of the first people i remember when i started playing tournaments in tennis. my deepest sympathies go to all the family.
Patty Krieger Phillips
April 24, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
April 24, 2008
Dear Lynn & Rod:
We are very sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. We only lived in El Paso for 4 years, but during that short time, Gene had a very positive influence in the developement of both Julie and Rob, and that was appreciated!
Sincerely;
Bob Wishner
Nicole Cabrera-Butler
April 24, 2008
Rod my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of grief.
Melanie Acosta
April 24, 2008
LETTER FROM HEAVEN
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got Me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go....from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going.....you're coming here to Me.
Aurthor Unknown
Daisy Duran
April 24, 2008
We all know what a great person Mr. Stogner was but I would like to share some of our fond memories of him with you. Mr. Stogner passed the office everyday, sometimes 3 times a day, while walking Rocket. Without fail, Mr. Stogner made it a point to stop and wave to us in the office. He was friendly and so sincere. We miss looking up outside the window and seeing him wave. Mr. Stogner was also the only resident of ours that without fail would bring us Christmas gifts and cards for every Holiday for years. We always told him it wasn't necessary but he did it anyway. He will be greatly missed by the Sundance Team and by our residents who all knew him as "Coach". Our deepest sympathies are with your family. Mr. Stogner, you will be missed.
Sundance Team
Michael Petrie
April 24, 2008
Stogner Family,
It saddens me to know that Gene has gone as he was the first real tennis coach I had, and though I did not know him for much other than tennis my family did, and we all will remember him and his legacy in El Paso.
Sincerely,
Michael Petrie & Family
James Peacock
April 23, 2008
To the Stogner family. I live here at Sundance Apartments, and remember Mr. Stogner with nothing but the fondest of memories. At least once a day for the 5 plus years I've lived here, I would see him and Rocket out walking. We here at the complex truly miss that sight. Mr. Stogner was quite simply one of the most sincere, warmest individuals I've ever met, and I have missed him since he left. I miss him even more now. My deepest sympathies to your family.
Sal Berroteran
April 23, 2008
Gene was a very dear friend of mine. My sympathies go out to his entire family. I will never forget him!
Sincerely, Sal Berroteran
Mike Casey
April 23, 2008
Mr. Stogner,
Sir, as a fellow Marine I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served with the USMC in Korea. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
Semper Fi Devil Dog!
Mike Casey USMC '85-'89
Jon Sipes
April 23, 2008
Lynn and Rod,
Please accept my and my family's condolences for your loss and know that we are thinking of you. Your father's teachings ascended from the tennis court and into life, greatly enriching my life. He was very much like a second father to me.
Please know that I will miss him greatly.
William Cowan
April 23, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jane Maggart
April 23, 2008
Dear Rod and Lynn,
We are so sorry that we cannot be at Gene's funeral. You dad meant so much to all of us, and helped Jim & I raise 2 great kids. He was such an inspiration to Ryan and Mary Beth, and not only taught them outstanding tennis skills, but taught them to be great at whatever they do in life.
We love Gene dearly, and know he will be greatly missed, but know he is in peace with the Lord.
Jane & Jim Maggart
Claire Cowan
April 23, 2008
To Gene Stogner Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My sympathy goes out to your family and I will keep you in my prayers. My dad (Bill Cowan) worked with Gene in the Parks and Recreation dept for the city of El Paso. Gene also hired me to run the Santa Teresa pool one summer before I started teaching in YISD. I am thankful that I met such a caring person.
Claire Cowan
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in Donnie Stogner's name
How to support Donnie's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Donnie Stogner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
